USDA Announces $1.6 Billion Investment Into Rural Electric Infrastructure
Posted on Jun 25, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it is providing $1.6 billion in loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 21 states through the Electric Loan Program. The funds will be used to build and improve 9,138 miles of electric transmission and distribution line, and include approximately $386 million for investments in smart grid technology.
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Leaders of Electric Cooperatives Discuss Safety Measures Taken to Protect the Safety and Health of Their Employees During COVID-19
Posted on Jun 24, 2020
Senior electric coop leaders recently spoke with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and T&D World about safety measures being implemented to protect the safety and health of their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although coops have moved swiftly to protect the safety and health of their employees and the public, some of the challenges moving forward include transitioning from in-person meetings to conference calls, keeping line crew members safe during storm recovery, and preventing disease transmission during mutual assistance events.
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New Hampshire Coop Members Reject Broadband Bylaws Change
Posted on Jun 19, 2020
In a 4,599 to 2,539 vote this week, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc. failed to meet the two-thirds majority required to amend its bylaws to include facilitation of broadband access in its mission statement. The board opposed the amendment but indicated they were interested in broadband generally.
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NRECA Releases Statement on Social Justice
Posted on Jun 18, 2020
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) released a statement on social justice in America expressing its commitment to promoting a positive and inclusive culture.
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Georgia Coop Adds “Sunflowers” to Solar Garden
Posted on Jun 17, 2020
Cobb Electric Membership Corp. has built a solar garden that includes three “sunflowers” whose petal-shaped solar panels track the sun. The “sunflowers” are a part of the Georgia coop’s solar project that can produce nearly 2.4 million KWh of electricity per year.
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Basin Electric and Clēnera Renewable Energy Announce PPA for Montana Solar Project
Posted on Jun 17, 2020
Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Clēnera Renewable Energy announced the execution of a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the Cabin Creek Solar Project, which will consist of two, 75 MW projects in southeastern Montana.
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Electric Cooperative Seeks Permission to Swap Customers
Posted on Jun 16, 2020
The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) recently set an intervention deadline in a case concerning a territorial agreement between Ameren Missouri and Three Rivers Electric Cooperative. Specifically, Ameren seeks PSC authority to transfer 258 of its current customers to Three Rivers while Three Rivers seeks to transfer approximately 270 of its current customers to Ameren. Ameren also seeks to sell a portion of its electric system to Three Rivers.
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Coop to Test Emerging Battery Technology
Posted on Jun 12, 2020
Great River Energy recently announced it will test a novel “aqueous air battery system,” a 1 MW grid-connected battery with 150 MWh of continuous energy capability. If successful, the battery could provide a viable option for coops seeking to increase their share of renewable energy without sacrificing reliability.
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Electric Coop to Purchase Municipal Utility
Posted on Jun 12, 2020
The Tennessee Valley Authority recently approved Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative’s takeover of Murfreesboro’s Electric Department (MED). The merger, which is expected to become effective in July 2020, is one of the largest acquisitions ever by a power cooperative of a municipally-owned utility – $302 million over the next 15 years to acquire MED and its 67,000 customers.
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Southern Illinois Power Cooperative to Retire Largest Coal-Fired Unit
Posted on Jun 10, 2020
Southern Illinois Power Cooperative has announced a tentative decision to retire its largest coal-fired generator as early as this fall.
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Tri-State to Enhance Renewable Portfolio, Provide Greater Member Flexibility
Posted on Jun 5, 2020
In January 2020, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced its Responsible Energy Plan to fundamentally transform how it generates power while protecting reliability and addressing rates. By 2024, Tri-State will add eight additional wind and solar power plants to its system, more than doubling its clean energy resources. In addition, to allow members greater flexibility in generating their own power, contracts will soon have a self-supply option of up to 50%.
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South Carolina Electric Cooperatives See Delinquencies Rise
Posted on Jun 3, 2020
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives are reporting large spikes in the number of customers falling behind on their electric bills, signaling potential financial problems for households and businesses in the most rural parts of the state. The dramatic uptick in delinquencies is being driven by the coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn caused by the public health restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
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Kentucky Solar Farm Proposed for Henderson-Webster County Line
Posted on Jun 1, 2020
Big Rivers Electric Corporation, a Kentucky generation and transmission coop, has announced plans to develop a nearly 1,700 acre solar energy farm. The solar farm, which would be the largest in Kentucky, is expected to begin generation in 2024 and supply Big Rivers with 160 MW of electricity. Additionally, Big Rivers announced it will purchase up to 100 MW of solar generation from Community Energy starting in 2023.
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PGEC Moves Ahead With Rural Broadband
Posted on May 27, 2020
Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) and Prince George County are coming together to form a public/private partnership to help expedite the process of connecting the Prince George County community with high-speed, fiber-to-the-home internet access. With Prince George County’s support, PGEC can expand broadband access to additional Prince George County residents at an accelerated pace.
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